The open-weave jute stinks. Literally. Thanks to the readers who alerted me to the concern, because of my many varied and obscure talents, sniffing ain’t one. I painted the ceiling of my Mahalo Lounge a beige, just to be able to see the room. But I can’t have just paint up there. Epic is a requirement. So following are my four wallpaper finalists. Which one would you choose? Which one should I choose?
#1: Vintage “Moby Dick” from Hannah’s Treasures:
Above: A vintage rope-trellis wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures — a pattern named “Moby Dick” from “The Twigs” collection, it says along the edge. The field is a bit darker than I would like, which will darken the room, but I think I could address the issue with lighting design. Heck, tiki bars are supposed to be dark and mysterious. On the plus side: I really do like those ropes — they are whimsical, and the ‘trellis’ effect mimics the trellis in the dining room ceiling wallpaper.
I love the name, too, since Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick in a cottage just 4.9 miles from my house. This paper is not shown on Hannah’s Treasure’s website — owner Marilyn stumbled on it looking for more of the same pattern with the coral field, which I initially inquired about.
#2 — Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers’ Seashell Cream:
Above: Also going under the headline, “Ask Anyway”: I spotted the Bradbury & Bradbury Seashell Cream wallpaper in google images while searching for wallpaper designs using various terms. Wallpaper shells… wallpaper coral… wallpaper nautical… wallpaper tropical… wallpaper lattice… wallpaper trellis… wallpaper maps… wallpaper pirate… wallpaper bamboo… I searched so many word combinations and looked at so much wallpaper, my eyes hurt, I am not exaggerating. This wallpaper design popped up, probably under ‘wallpaper shells’, but the photo sent me to a ‘discontinued’ link. But, I emailed anyway, just to see if perchance they had any left — and they did! Just enough! I like this one because the colors are right … It’s also whimsical… and I really like the pop of blue in the seashells continued on to the ceiling. While the photo doesn’t show it, there’s also a glint of metallic gold. Question, though: Is lots of high-contrast, relatively small pattern on the walls and the ceiling too much of a good thing, especially in a space likely to get soaked with rum?
#3 Palms Springs by Kenneth James by Brewster:
Above: I liked the idea of bringing color up to the ceiling, if possible. This Intertwined Green Geometric design repeats the color planned for the sectional but in a different textural way. It also has a lovely glint of gold ink. But, it may be too finely wrought — too sophisticated — for my room.
#4 Old World Map Collage by Brewster:
Above: Brewster had lots of old world antique map designs, in a variety of colors to choose from. This one — Brown Old World Collage Map from Brewster’s Field Guide Collection — had a beige-gold faded parchment feel that would look good with everything else, I think. This one is more subtle than the rest, less “risky”.
Above: Two more shots of the room in various stages of progress, so’s you can consider what I’m working with.
Q: Why don’t I just do grasscloth?
A: It’s too expected. I’m a rebel.
Q: You put a TV in your tiki bar!
A. I know. I know. I’m not “supposed to”, but I did. I don’t feel the need to explain, but I will take the opportunity. Tiki lounges are supposed to be a total escape from the real world. Fact is, though, that we watch TV most every night — while, on the other hand, we only drink cocktails on weekends and as party-throwers we are, so far, very lame. Bringing the TV into the Lounge gives us a reason to spend even more time in it.
Q: You put a TV above a fireplace!
A. I know. I know. I always said I’d never do that. ‘Never say never’ is what I say now. The only logical place for the TV in this room was above the fireplace.
See all my stories about my Mahalo Lounge, in progress, here.
Genevieve says
#1 Old World Map, because of the idea of travels and escaping to fat away places; #2 Palm Springs Green, looks very tropical; #3 Moby Dick because it was written 4.9 miles from your house.
Genevieve says
*far away places
Sil says
The map
Frank L. says
For me, I would have it narrowed down to throw world map design and the green intertwined. There would be less regrets if the style of the room changed, and still adds design to the ceiling without screaming “look at me”.
JR says
Is it too late to vote? I like #4 (the old world map paper) because it is unexpected, but won’t take attention from the beauty of the room.
Dortha Baldi says
I agree with R. Grant, #4, every thing else is very nice, but too competitive with that leopard print.
Melissa says
1st palm springs 2nd moby dick
My picks and my recommendations to you. But painfully my bat has a mere white ceiling. Id add a pic for you here if it were an option
Mary says
Just have reruns of vintage comedies looping on the tv – nobody will know it’s not supposed to be there!
R Grant says
I gotta say #4 – it’s the one I feel won’t compete for attention regarding the leopard pattern & will go with everything
Nicole Oliveira says
I’m going to have to say the green geometric pattern. I believe it will really bring out that tike look your going for….and it will not over take the room! Also, having a TV in that room will defiantly help you utilize the room more. I also wanted to mention that when I was at Sam’s Club yesterday, I saw these new TV frames, in many finishes, that go around flat screen TV’s to make them look like a picture hanging on the wall. They are expensive right now but once the novelty wears off, I’m sure they will become more affordable. They are just adorable.
Marie-Claire says
I vote for the Moby Dick. Your lounge is coming up nicely, I’d love to do this one day (I’ve been saving a set of large wooden fork and spoon wall hangings to build it around 😀
David says
I concurr on the Moby Dick. My second choice would be the green interwoven one.
Fishnets hung across the ceiling were such a thing in the tiki lounges, and the Moby Dick paper certainly gives off that feel.
On the other hand, the woven one gives the impression of palm fronds woven into mats and placed on the ceiling.
Both designs seem very appropriate for the tiki lounge.
Moby Dick seems like it would be neutral and not compete as much for attention with the other patterns, and the green woven one would bring the color of your sofa into the ceiling, which may be a nice reflection of your design.
I think I personally favor the Moby Dick, but all four of your choices here seem complementary to your design.